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 Playing Advice: 4-String (Irish Trad Music & Related Styles)
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R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 08/08/2024:  00:30:53


...since I've played Irish tenor.



Can't remember what string gauges for my 17 fret tenor banjo.



Recommendations for GDAE tuning?



Playing jigs and reels with my brother on box for my daughter's wedding.

Culloden - Posted - 08/08/2024:  06:16:52


.012, .016, .026, .036
You can adjust the gauges to your individual preference but that's a starting point. The times I've played Irish tenor I prefer my fourth string a bit heavier.

Enda Scahill - Posted - 08/08/2024:  06:18:58


I’d probably go a bit heavier on the A string if it’s a 17 fret banjo

12
18/20 wound
26
36

Eulalie - Posted - 08/08/2024:  06:57:35


quote:

Originally posted by R.D. Lunceford

...since I've played Irish tenor.



Can't remember what string gauges for my 17 fret tenor banjo.



Recommendations for GDAE tuning?



Playing jigs and reels with my brother on box for my daughter's wedding.






Congratulations on your daughter's wedding.

trapdoor2 - Posted - 08/08/2024:  08:04:06


quote:

Originally posted by Enda Scahill

I’d probably go a bit heavier on the A string if it’s a 17 fret banjo



12

18/20 wound

26

36






And tune the G to A: ADAE. 99% of the most common Irish tunes never go down to G.



I use 12-17-26-36 on my 17-fret Bacon Blue Ribbon.

R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 08/08/2024:  13:27:16


Thanks for the replies folks- much appreciated.

martyjoe - Posted - 08/09/2024:  03:13:00


quote:

Originally posted by trapdoor2

quote:

Originally posted by Enda Scahill

I’d probably go a bit heavier on the A string if it’s a 17 fret banjo



12

18/20 wound

26

36






And tune the G to A: ADAE. 99% of the most common Irish tunes never go down to G.



I use 12-17-26-36 on my 17-fret Bacon Blue Ribbon.






I just love playing tunes that go down to low G on my banjo & fiddle. Every time I pick it up I seek them out, but then again my G is 24"s 

DSmoke - Posted - 08/09/2024:  06:18:19


17 fret doesn't tell us the scale length to accurately recommend strings for it. If it is less than 21.5" scale length I would use 12, 20w, 30w, 40w.

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